9 Amazing Dishes to try from 4 Stellar Spots at Dempsey

When visiting the posh neighbourhood of Dempsey, you might be spoiled for choice. From decadent award-winning Peranakan cuisine to the heritage tempura dishes, we’ll give you the low down on the different eateries and which dishes stood out best.

Welcome to Candlenut, the world’s first and only Peranakan restaurant with a Michelin-star. And it’s easy to see why: pairing excellent service and phenomenal food with an ambience that’s both inviting and exciting, rest assured that your experience at Candlenut will be unparalleled.

When a restaurant serves rendang so tender that it melts in your mouth, you know it’s a winner. Their Wagyu Beef Rendang, with heartwarming spices and bursting with flavour, is a must-have.

One of the highlights we can’t get enough of at Candlenut is the Blue Swimmer Crab Curry. Rest assured that this golden bowl of creamy, spicy goodness will leave your taste buds satisfied with its piquant Assam notes with hints of Kaffir lime. They don’t skimp on the ingredients either, as this appetising curry is made with loads of fresh crabs that lend it a soft, oceanic flavour.

Staying true to its roots, Candlenut introduces desserts with a Peranakan flair as well. One such creation is their Buah Keluak Ice Cream. Made with 90% buah keluak base and 10% chocolate, it’s definitely a dish that stands out in terms of flavour and uniqueness. The crackling crumble base adds texture to the smooth, creamy frozen delight.

The soft lighting and simple décor at this tiny tempura house will have you feeling right at home once you step in through the rather private entrance. The ambience here maintains cosy and minimalist, with only a few bar counter eats and a couple of tables. From its interiors down to the custom-made bowls and utensils, everything here is made with a personal touch. If you’re looking for an intimate moment either alone or with a significant other, this is the perfect spot.

Ippoh Tempura Bar prides itself with their omakase menu, but lunch crowds hankering for a quick fix will be happy to know that they serve lunch sets as well. Starting with the house-made goma tofu, it’s a classic example of the chef’s impeccable skills. The tofu is made with ground sesame seeds, and its texture is unlike usual store-bought tofu: slightly firm with a gentle fragrance, every mouthful is invigorating.

With Chef Masaru Seki’s immaculate tempura skills, diners are able to sample the flavours of the fresh ingredients encased in the delicate, crispy batter. Enjoy them with a bowl of rice or opt for cold somen noodles for something more refreshing.

Looking for an upscale meal? The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar is your best bet. Elegantly decorated with marble table tops and columns, aluminium furnishings, and lush greenery, we can’t help but be charmed by the friendly and relaxed ambience. Dishing out the effortlessly gorgeous creations, Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten introduces modern European dishes with local interpretations that represent the melting pot of cultures in Singapore.

A crowd favourite at Dempsey’s Cookhouse is the Crispy Salmon Sushi. The sushi rice is fried to a satisfying crisp, and carrot-orange salmon sashimi glazed with soy sauce is added on top of the crispy rice with a touch of chipotle mayo and mint leaf that tie all the flavours together. The delicate Egg Caviar, on the other hand, is addicting with its smooth egg whites rendered flavourful with a generous dollop of caviar.

When it comes to pizza, ultimate indulgence lies in the Black Truffle & Fontina Pizza. Carefully crafted and baked in a cherry wood oven, the pie is spread generously with French black truffle paste and cheese.

True to the personality of COMO hotels around the world, COMO Cuisine brings exciting international flavours to the table. They’ve recently introduced High Teas for Tuesdays and Fridays as well, so there’s more to look forward to with your besties!

Decked out in industrial chic furnishings and suspended greenery on the ceilings, the peaceful ambience at this establishment will enchant you.

We were smitten by COMO’s Snapper Curry, served with fluffy saffron rice. The thick, decadent curry is made with coconut milk and generous servings of snapper that adds depth to the sauce. Vegan options for their dishes are also available, which makes it the perfect spot for any diner regardless of their dietary restrictions.

The star dish, however, is the Parfait that had us all in awe. Made with Butterfly Pea flowers, pineapple, and crushed lemongrass ice, this refreshing dessert is inspired by the local ice cream sandwich.